FORCES – Cornwall Community Newshttp://www.cornwallcommunitynews.co.uk
Daily local newspaper for CornwallWed, 03 Feb 2016 19:47:08 +0000en-UShourly1GUNNING FOR GOLDhttp://www.cornwallcommunitynews.co.uk/2014/01/27/gunning-for-gold/
http://www.cornwallcommunitynews.co.uk/2014/01/27/gunning-for-gold/#respondMon, 27 Jan 2014 01:37:08 +0000http://www.cornwallcommunitynews.co.uk/?p=19860Two Members of HMS Seahawk Field Gun Crew have been presented with the Captain’s Award’s for their hard work and commitment for Royal Navy Air Station Culdrose.

The trainers have been the main architects of success for Field Gun crews at Culdrose, which has gone from strength to strength under their ever watchful leadership.

HMS Seahawk Field Gun Crew competes annually in the ‘Brickwoods Field Gun Competition’ at HMS Collingwood near Portsmouth; attracting up to 22 Crews from across the Royal Navy, the Army and Air Force as well as NATO HQ in Naples, Italy and Britain’s Mediterranean base at Gibraltar.

Chief Collins joined Culdrose in Dec 2010 and volunteered to be 1st Trainer for Seahawk Field Gun. He immediately set about assembling and preparing a crew for the 2011 Brickwoods Competition, Culdrose and Yeovilton Air Days in July and two weeks’ worth of runs against HMS Heron at the Edinburgh Tattoo in August.

Approaching these challenges with his customary enthusiasm and tenacity he led Seahawk to second place in the 2nd Plate final, narrowly losing to HMS Heron at their Air Day, but winning the majority of runs at the Tattoo.

2012 season began without a Field Gun Officer (FGO) or Buffer and for a time ‘Jumper’ Collins was the sole member of the Field Gun Command Team conducting all three roles, as well as organising and conducting pre-season training with the crew.

He was soon joined by Petty Officer Dave Robson who managed to make all necessary arrangements for the crew’s attendance at Collingwood.

HMS Seahawk’s crew won a place in the final with a creditable fifth overall, improving on 2011.

Last year ‘Jumper’ and Dave’s hard work saw HMS Seahawk have their best year yet.

The crew easily attained a place in the final with the fourth fastest aggregate time.

Had there not been a very unfortunate slip during the final run, it is widely believed they would have achieved second overall.

Despite losing many members to deployments, assignments and injury in preparing for Air Days at Culdrose and Yeovilton, they worked tirelessly recruiting and training a competitive crew.

Their efforts suitably rewarded by winning six out of six runs at the two shows.

“CPO Collins and PO Robson have undertaken their Field Gun roles willingly and to impressive effect despite also conducting busy jobs within the station,” said Lieutenant Commander Dave Quaite, HMS Seahawk Field Gun Officer.

“Over the last 3 years HMS Seahawk’s Field Gun Crew have gone from strength to strength and enjoyed ever greater successes.”

In glorious Cornish sunshine 15 Navy trainees from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose near Helston set about lending a hand during a special Charity Surfing competition at Newquay’s Fistral Beach.

“Surf Challenge for Autism 2013”, is the surf charity `Wave Projects’ annual event challenge and involved 32 autistic competitors across a weekend of fantastic sunshine on Britain’s most famous surf ing beach, which also attracted over 1500 spectators.

Top level surfers included former UK champion Russell Winter and 2012 English national champion Hannah Harding, who were left speechless as they watched the competitors impress on clean 3 ft waves.

Pro surfer Hannah Harding said: “People watching just couldn’t believe that these competitors had a disability. They were surfing to such a high standard; it was really great to watch!”

The Navy Volunteers made up over a third of all volunteers, one of whom was TV’s ‘Made in Chelsea’ star Andy Jordan.

The Officers and Ratings assisted the young competitors in and out of the water and were on hand to support them as safety swimmers through the rollers and breakers.

The Wave Project is a charity from Cornwall that specialises in helping to improve the emotional wellbeing of young people through surfing. `Surf Challenge for Autism’ is held annually and this year the weather was certainly on side!

Charity organiser Joe Taylor said: “It was just amazing that so many people came to support this event and ensure these young people with autism had their chance to shine.”

It’s wonderful to see so much goodwill from local people, organisations and businesses.”

Surf Volunteer and trainee Observer Sub Lieutenant Max White added; “The great thing about serving in the Navy is that life is so varied.

“One moment we’re training for our future roles, which will see us deployed around the globe, the next we’re helping out at a very worthwhile event closer to home.”

As well as helping a local charity, it proved to be a valuable experience for both the Young Officers from 750 Naval Air Squadron and the rating trainees whilst they continue this phase of their training.

In a few short months, these Officers will be expected to take charge of their own team of men and women: leading them on an Operational Fleet Air Arm Unit.

>Did you know? RNAS Culdrose in Helston is one of Europe’s largest helicopter bases. Culdrose delivers highly capable Helicopter Squadrons specialising in Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare and Airborne Surveillance and Control. The frontline Squadrons are deployed to ships all over the world to support the Royal Navy in its global operations. Back at the Air Station, trainee Aircrew, Engineers, Air Traffic Controllers, Fire-fighters and Flight Deck crews undergo intensive training prior to joining Naval Air Squadrons for duties at sea. Additionally, the ‘Search and Rescue’ Squadron is on constant standby 365-days a year to react to emergencies throughout the Southwest region. Its red and grey helicopters can be seen braving all types of weather responding to calls for help on land and sea.
829 Naval Air Squadron ‘The Kingfishers’ operate from RNAS Culdrose and provide the Navy’s Type 23 frigates with the Merlin helicopters they need to operate around the world. They provide dedicated ‘flights’ – that’s one helicopter, a full complement of aircrew (two pilots, one observer, and one aircrewman) and a nine-strong maintenance team – for the Navy’s Type 23 frigate fleet, wherever they’re operating in the world.

814 Naval Air Squadron currently operates the world’s leading Anti-Submarine Warfare helicopter, the Merlin HM Mk1 from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall. Embracing the Squadron’s motto: ‘In hoc signo vinces’ (meaning ‘In this sign you will conquer’), 814 NAS is a high readiness, globally deployable unit tasked with flying from ships and/or air bases around the world to provide protection to the Fleet from surface and sub-surface threats, or to support maritime security operations.

If you’d like to read more detailed information about 829 and 814 Naval Air Squadrons, their capabilities, and the Merlin helicopter, click through to the Royal Navy Website HERE , HERE, or HERE.

There’s a certain Buzz of anticipation in the air, as well as hovering Helicopters, roaring Fast Jets and Spectacular Arena displays, building up for an exciting CULDROSE AIR DAY.

Final preparations are underway for the 2013 RNAS CULDROSE AIR DAY ON WEDNESDAY 24TH JULY.

With the Royal Air Force Red Arrows making a return to the Cornish skies, thrilling flying displays, an action packed military arena and a chance to get up close and personal with the world of Naval Aviation; the public will experience ‘Fly Navy’ whatever the weather.

Spectators will witness breathtaking displays from some of the world’s most advanced aircraft as they twist, loop and soar through the skies at terrifying speeds. Some 40 aircraft will participate in flying displays full of daring manoeuvres and precision flying and further aircraft will be available for static viewing on the ground.

“We are welcoming visitors to one of the largest helicopter Bases in Europe”, said Major Dave Fielder, one of the organisers of this year’s impressive show.

Culdrose CO Mark Garrett Captain Mark Garratt said: “This year’s theme for Air day is Culdrose on the Frontline.

“We train for the future and in particular the effort to deliver the impressive Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers. 2013 also celebrates the 60t h anniversary of search and rescue in the Royal Navy and Culdrose is the home to 771 Squadron who operate the iconic red and grey Sea Kings.”

771 NAS along with 814 NAS flying the Merlin HM 1 from RNAS Culdrose joined a Junglie Sea King from 848 NAS and a Maritime attack Lynx NAS from RNAS Yeovilton; showing-off some of the current serving aircraft in the Royal Navy.

It was led by one of the last two operational Swordfish in Britain, Swordfish Mk.II LS326, of the Royal Navy Historic Flight.

Tens of thousands of people gathered along the River Mersey in Liverpool as part of a weekend of events commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Atlantic, the longest continuous military campaign of the Second World War.

To mark this anniversary across the country, events have already been held in London and Londonderry with parades, flypasts and a service of remembrance in St Pauls Cathedral. But it was in Liverpool where the Headquarters of “Western Approaches Command” was based during the War that the largest events were going to take place.

From the City, Operations directed against German U boats were planned and fought. In all Liverpool received over 1,000 convoys that helped support the war effort; re-supplying the nation with food, fuel, munitions and troops.

The Atlantic campaign reached its climax in May 1943 when the German submarine fleet suffered severe losses.

U Boat skirmishes continued right up until the war ended, but the Allies had sunk so many by May 43 that they effectively won the Battle of the Atlantic thanks to the aggressive patrolling by the Royal Navy at Sea and the FAA and RAF in the Air.

A Service of remembrance attended by Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal and senior officers of the Royal Navy and other Maritime organisations, veterans and serving members of the armed forces was held in the City’s Anglican Cathedral.

Afterwards military top brass and invited guests moved on board HMS Bulwark – the Royal Navy’s flagship – to watch a spectacular flypast, led by an Iconic Hero of the Battle of the Atlantic.

One of the Sea Kings taking part from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose was from 771 Search and Rescue, Naval Air Squadron, flown by Lieutenants Ian King and Jonny Lynas.

Flying in tight formation with the Swordfish and the other Fleet Air Arm aircraft was pretty special for them.

Culdrose Pilot Ian King said: “It was a great honour to take part in this formation that saluted the dedication and bravery of the men who served during the War. It was a beautiful gin-clear blue sky, attracting a huge crowd at the Albert dock and Pier- head areas.

Our flypast took us across the City from the massive Cathedral to the imposing `Liver-building’ overlooking the Mersey.”

RNAS Culdrose is one of Europe’s largest helicopter bases. We deliver highly capable Helicopter Squadrons specialising in Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare and Airborne Surveillance and Control. The frontline Squadrons are deployed to ships all over the world to support the Royal Navy in its global operations. Back at the Air Station, trainee Aircrew, Engineers, Air Traffic Controllers, Fire-fighters and Flight Deck crews undergo intensive training prior to joining Naval Air Squadrons for duties at sea. Additionally, the ‘Search and Rescue’ Squadron is on constant standby 365-days a year to react to emergencies throughout the Southwest region. Its red and grey helicopters can be seen braving all types of weather responding to calls for help on land and sea.

A Cornish Navy officer who first dreamed of taking to the skies as a toddler watching Culdrose Air Day has reached the most senior officer rank on the base.

Steve Cass from Porthleven is to be the new Warrant Officer of the Naval Service as of December this year.

It’s not only a lifetime achievement for Steve, but the first time any Engineer and member of the Fleet Air Arm has reached such an influential position: WONS is the most prestigious role for a Warrant Officer.

Steve will be the channel between the non commissioned ranks and most Senior Naval officers.

His new office carries a remarkable badge; a “Ceremonial Cane” furnished from wood from the oldest still commissioned ship in the world, HMS Victory.

Steve told CCN: “I would never have imagined that as a lad growing up in Porthleven, and coming to Culdrose Air Day each year, I would join the Navy as an Air Mechanic and one day be the most senior Warrant Officer of the Naval Service.

“It all seems a lifetime ago now but I have genuinely loved every minute of my career.”

Steve’s served in the Navy 27 years. He joined in 1986 and spent his early years with 820 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Culdrose and onboard HMS Ark Royal on operational service east of Suez.

The married dad of three said of his new post: “It’s a demanding position and I’m looking forward to speaking to Royal Marines, Submariners, Sailors and Airmen wherever they serve over the next 3 years and the influence the position has regarding their issues.

““We are going through some very exciting times in the Royal Navy. Afghanistan operations are drawing to a close and the new Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carriers will be entering service soon.

“So there are a lot of challenges ahead and I am convinced we have the right quality of personnel to cope with them and succeed wherever we operate.”

WO1 Cass is a proud Cornishman who is married to Alison who is an equally proud Yorkshire woman. They have three daughters aged 18, 14 and 6.

His interests include walking their energetic spaniel across the Cornish cliffs, pilot gig rowing and working with local schools to support children of Service personnel who are deployed.

Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose is one of Europe’s largest helicopter bases. Culdrose delivers highly capable Helicopter Squadrons specialising in Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare and Airborne Surveillance and Control. The frontline Squadrons are deployed to ships all over the world to support the Royal Navy in its global operations. Back at the Air Station, trainee Aircrew, Engineers, Air Traffic Controllers, Fire-fighters and Flight Deck crews undergo intensive training prior to joining Naval Air Squadrons for duties at sea. Additionally, the ‘Search and Rescue’ Squadron is on constant standby 365-days a year to react to emergencies throughout the Southwest region. Its red and grey helicopters can be seen braving all types of weather responding to calls for help on land and sea.

]]>http://www.cornwallcommunitynews.co.uk/2013/04/24/in-a-class-of-his-own/feed/0SEVEN DAYS OF PAINhttp://www.cornwallcommunitynews.co.uk/2013/04/16/seven-days-of-pain/
http://www.cornwallcommunitynews.co.uk/2013/04/16/seven-days-of-pain/#commentsTue, 16 Apr 2013 02:48:15 +0000http://www.cornwallcommunitynews.co.uk/?p=17396Five men will attempt an amazing feat of endurance, aptly named ‘Seven Days of Pain’ in order to raise money for and awareness of two charities; The RAF Benevolent Fund and The Connor Wright Project in association with Great Ormond Street Hospital Childrens Charity.

The idea for the challenge came from friends Aaron Day, a retail shop owner in Stamford and Corporal Michael Gambling, an instructor in the Royal Air Force.

Together they devised a challenge that would push them beyond their limits both mentally and physically.

Alternating between running and cycling, the team will push themselves to the extreme beginning at Lands End on Tuesday 30th April and culminating in the Milton Keynes Marathon on Monday 6th May, covering a huge total of 434.8 miles each.

With four of the five team members being in the Royal Air Force, the decision to support the RAF Benevolent Fund was easy as they wanted to raise awareness of the RAF as a potential career choice, boost morale and give something back to the families as well as Servicemen and women, past and present.

The second charity that the team are supporting is The Connor Wright Shwachman-Diamond Project. Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) is genetic and an inherited condition, a very rare, complex, multi system disorder affecting particularly the pancreas, bone marrow and skeleton. Next to Cystic Fibrosis, it is the most common cause of pancreatic insufficiency in children.

The Project aims to raise money and awareness of all rare or difficult to diagnose diseases in children.

Corporal Gambling, stationed at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire, said: “This challenge has never been done before.

“We’ll be pushing not just our bodies to the limit but also our will to succeed. The team have been training hard but even so the amount of strain placed on our bodies over the seven days will be immense. Finishing at the Milton Keynes Marathon is pretty exciting – most of us are or have been stationed at RAF Halton so it will feel like we are on home ground.

I hope we get a lot of support from the crowd.”

Aaron Day said: “I first thought of the challenge a year ago, and together me and Mike have now made it reality.

The thought of being able to push myself beyond limits excites me and to do this for two amazing charities makes all the physical and mental strain worth the while.

One day I would like my children to say my dad and his four friends took part in something amazing and made a bit of history.”

The team can be followed online on Facebook and Twitter. To donate or sponsor the team go to Seven Days of Pain or donate by text by messaging CRPD followed by the amount (e.g. CRDP£10) to 70070.

Please give generously!

ENDS

Photo1: Corporal Gambling, Turner and Pierce get ready for a bike training session at RAF Halton
Photo2: Corporal Gampling and Turner train indoors due to snow!
Photo3: Planning the route, it’s a long way!

ROUTE PLAN

Day 1- Start at Land’s End and will run along the costal footpath covering 26.2 miles.
Day 2- The first day on the bicycles cycling from Porthleven to Falmouth Dock, then on to St Mawes via ferry crossing and then cycling to Dartmouth covering a total 110 miles.
Day 3- Run along the coastal paths from Dartmouth to the Dawlish ferry covering 26.2 miles.
Day 4- After crossing on the ferry to Exmouth, cycling to Andover covering 110 miles.
Day 5- Starting at Andover and running through Newbury finishing at Compton and covering 26.2 miles.
Day 6- The final cycle from Compton to Milton Keynes, via RAF Northolt and RAF Halton covering 110 miles.
Day 7- The Milton Keynes Marathon covering 26.2 miles.

CHARITIES

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is the RAF’s leading welfare charity, providing financial, practical and emotional support to all members of the RAF family.
The Connor Wright Shwachman-Diamond Project
The Connor Wright Shwachman-Diamond Project is a non-profit organisation set up by ordinary people, with ordinary lives, doing ordinary jobs in order to bring awareness and raise funds for a very UNORDINARY condition –Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome. Our goals are to campaign for and support research towards a cure and improve medical management of symptoms as well as raise awareness of the Syndrome within the medical profession, support agencies and the general public. We have supported Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity as they are leading the campaign into the research. Great Ormond Street has opened a special purpose fund for the money we donate to go direct into and used solely for research purposes into Shwachman Diamond Syndrome.

Six members of the Seahawk Gliding Club from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose braved Arctic conditions over Wales, taking to the skies during Exercise Spring Lamb 13, their annual Easter Gliding Expedition.

In normal years, swooping and soaring over the Welsh countryside in spring would attract many budding young glider pilots.

But the Coldest Easter on record and temperature drops to as low as minus six overnight, saw crews from RNAS Culdrose pack thermal s instead of shorts and sunscreen.

Setting up base camp at Talgarth Gliding club, South Wales, members prepared for flights over the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons.

The move 250 miles away from their Cornish Naval Air Station allowed instructors and Students to experience ridge and wave gliding, not available at Culdrose.

But although affected by the poor weather only 2 days of flying were lost, members completing 23 launches and over 24 hours in the air; gaining some much valued gliding experiences in tricky whether conditions as well.

“Waking up to snow, It was difficult to remember if we had come to Wales or Alaska”, said Air Engineering Technician Danny Furlong from 824 Naval Air Squadron.

The aim of the Spring Expedition was to introduce new students to the basics of Gliding and four AET’s from Culdrose took up the challenge.

Danny continues, “We scaled ridges to start with to get a feel for where the best lift was. Evidently there was a lot of good lift as we were in the air for two hours. I enjoyed being in control, practising turns and trimming the aircraft”.

By the middle of the week lighter winds provided excellent training value for students to progress from straight flight to turns in the gliders.

Light snow showers had little effect on flying and there was some thermal activity allowing gliders to climb to 3000 feet and show another way of staying airborne.

Commander Chris Bryning, Expedition Leader and Chief Instructor, thanked those who contributed to Exercise Spring Lamb 2013, in particular the students who soared to the challenging conditions.

“Every student did really well and had over four hours flying with our gliders. With wind conditions light enough by the end of the week this allowed the use of Talgarth’s vintage, side by side open cockpit glider trainer called `Snoopy’ This was the experience of a lifetime for the four guys lucky enough to fly in her”.

Seahawk Gliding Club has already put in for the use of Talgarth’s excellent facilities for next year; let’s hope the forecasters can predict a warmer Spring Lamb for 2014!

A Team of 14 Cyclists of 849 Naval Air Squadron from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose will set off on a 400 mile adventure on Monday 18 march 2013 to the National Memorial Arboretum, NMA at Alrewas in Staffordshire.

The start of the ride begins a week commemorating the 10th anniversary of Operation Telic and the accident that killed seven members from the squadron. It will culminate on Friday 22 March at a ceremony alongside families and friends of the aircrew who died on 22 March 2003, when two Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control helicopters collided over the Northern Gulf.

The 400 mile ride will take place over five days, with the cyclists riding approximately 70 – 90 miles per day, backed up by a road support team, utilising MOD/Naval establishments on route for accommodation, allowing for a short ride into the NMA on the Friday to be met by the guest of honour on completion of the unveiling of the 849 Squadron plinth.

Lieutenant Dave Anderson an Observer on 849 NAS has organised the ride and has personal reasons for doing the trip. “I knew one of the guys who was killed on 849 Sqn and have lost good friends in Iraq and Afghanistan. Its going to be a long slog but it’ll be worth it reaching the National Memorial and raising money for charity”.

Attending the event in Staffordshire will be senior Royal Navy Officers, serving personnel from the squadron during OP Telic in 2003 and family members of those who died, including the family of Lieutenant Adams United States Navy, who was attached to the Squadron for Op Telic.

The Commanding Officer of 849 Naval Air Squadron, Lieutenant Commander Andrew Rose, would like to raise both awareness of all those members of the FAA who have made the ultimate sacrifice since World War 1, of which there are no fewer than 6000, and also raise money for three charities – the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), the NMA Appeal, and the Fly Navy Heritage Trust. The personnel from the Sea King Airborne Surveillance and Control force led by CO 849, are due to arrive at 1300 on Friday 22nd March 2013 and take part in the unveiling of the newly placed 849 plinth at the FAA memorial.

The Telic tragedy happened around 0430 on 22 March 2003. Two Sea King Mk7 helicopters of 849 Naval Air Squadron A Flight were involved in a tragic accident in the Northern Arabian Gulf where all seven crew members were killed.

One of Europe’s largest helicopter bases, RNAS Culdrose delivers highly capable Helicopter Squadrons specialising in Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare and Airborne Surveillance and Control. The frontline Squadrons are deployed to ships all over the world to support the Royal Navy in its global operations. Back at the Air Station, trainee Aircrew, Engineers, Air Traffic Controllers, Fire-fighters and Flight Deck crews undergo intensive training prior to joining Naval Air Squadrons for duties at sea. Additionally, the ‘Search and Rescue’ Squadron is on constant standby 365-days a year to react to emergencies throughout the Southwest region. Its red and grey helicopters can be seen braving all types of weather responding to calls for help on land and sea.

]]>http://www.cornwallcommunitynews.co.uk/2013/03/31/remembering-the-seven/feed/0SEE SICILY AND FLYhttp://www.cornwallcommunitynews.co.uk/2013/02/22/see-sicily-and-fly/
http://www.cornwallcommunitynews.co.uk/2013/02/22/see-sicily-and-fly/#respondFri, 22 Feb 2013 08:05:32 +0000http://www.cornwallcommunitynews.co.uk/?p=16616Culdrose helicopter pilots and crews are preparing to fly to the Mediterranean to take part in NATO’s biggest Anti-Submarine exercise.

The 75 strong team, from 829 and 814 Naval Air Squadrons will be heading to Sicily for Exercise Proud Manta.

They’ll fly three Merlin Mk1 helicopters the 1400 miles to US Naval Air Station Sigonella in Eastern Sicily.

The Merlin was built for a primary role in Anti-Submarine Warfare.

This exercise will enable the aircrews taking part to demonstrate their submarine hunting skills.

It will also provide vital experience and training for 829 Naval Air Squadron’s engineering teams who are more used to small Type 23 Frigates.

829 c said “It’s a fantastic opportunity.

“The Merlin is one of the best Anti-Submarine aircraft in the world so it’s a great chance to prove ourselves.”

“I hope that everyone involved will take something away from this years exercise.”

The exercise will last until mid March, when the crews will return to the UK to continue supporting operations from both land and sea.

Did you know? RNAS Culdrose in Helston is one of Europe’s largest helicopter bases. Culdrose delivers highly capable Helicopter Squadrons specialising in Anti-Submarine Warfare, Anti-Surface Warfare and Airborne Surveillance and Control. The frontline Squadrons are deployed to ships all over the world to support the Royal Navy in its global operations. Back at the Air Station, trainee Aircrew, Engineers, Air Traffic Controllers, Fire-fighters and Flight Deck crews undergo intensive training prior to joining Naval Air Squadrons for duties at sea. Additionally, the ‘Search and Rescue’ Squadron is on constant standby 365-days a year to react to emergencies throughout the Southwest region. Its red and grey helicopters can be seen braving all types of weather responding to calls for help on land and sea.
829 Naval Air Squadron ‘The Kingfishers’ operate from RNAS Culdrose and provide the Navy’s Type 23 frigates with the Merlin helicopters they need to operate around the world. They provide dedicated ‘flights’ – that’s one helicopter, a full complement of aircrew (two pilots, one observer, and one aircrewman) and a nine-strong maintenance team – for the Navy’s Type 23 frigate fleet, wherever they’re operating in the world.
814 Naval Air Squadron currently operates the world’s leading Anti-Submarine Warfare helicopter, the Merlin HM Mk1 from RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall. Embracing the Squadron’s motto: ‘In hoc signo vinces’ (meaning ‘In this sign you will conquer’), 814 NAS is a high readiness, globally deployable unit tasked with flying from ships and/or air bases around the world to provide protection to the Fleet from surface and sub-surface threats, or to support maritime security operations.
If you’d like to read more detailed information about 829 and 814 Naval Air Squadrons, their capabilities, and the Merlin helicopter, click through to the Royal Navy Website HERE , HERE, , and or HERE.

Runners looking for a February challenge are being invited to take part in Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service’s annual charity Half Marathon, taking place at 10am on Sunday 24 February.

The course starts and ends at the Dragon Leisure Centre in Bodmin and passes through the grounds of Lanhydrock House.

Held in aid of The Fire Fighters’ Charity and Children’s Hospice South West, the entry fee for those who register in advance is £17 (£15 for affiliated club runners) and £18 for runners who sign up on the day.

There’ll be T-shirts to all and prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd to finish the race.